ThorPlas for Passenger Ship Applications - Thordon Bearings

THORPLAS FOR DECK EQUIPMENT APPLICATIONS
Ensuring the smooth, reliable operation of all
equipment installed above the waterline is a tall order
for a ship's Deck Crew. Operating conditions are tough,
and maintenance requirements of the equipment
onerous, with the onset of bearing seizure usually
imminent should periodic maintenance be delayed or
overlooked. Inadequately greased bronze bushings and
seawater shaft corrosion may cause bushing seizure.
Even sealed, rolling element bearings often fail
prematurely as a result of salt water ingress past their
simple contact seals or from the intermittent impact
loads this equipment is often subjected to.
The cost-effective, maintenance-free solution to solving
many of these problems is ThorPlas, Thordon's new
self-lubricating, thermoplastic bearing material.
Capable of dynamic operating pressures to 31MPa
(4,500 psi), ThorPlas can be easily back-fit into virtually
all applications where greased bronze is currently
installed. When a non-corroding pin or shaft liner is
included as part of the conversion as recommended,
ThorPlas does not require greasing to ensure smooth
operation. The lubricants formulated throughout the
homogenous ThorPlas polymer matrix ensure a low,
stable coefficient of friction, even as the bearing wears.
In applications where movement is infrequent and there
is significant exposure to salt water spray, if space
permits, high performance Thorseal lip seals can be
considered to prevent the ingress of seawater and
possible buildup of salt deposits in the bearing. Wear
rates are very low compared to greased bronze
ensuring long life and dramatically reduced
maintenance costs.
With the elimination of grease, ThorPlas offers
improved safety for the crew not having to grease these
bushings located in hard to reach locations. Greasefree
ThorPlas also means the disappearance of
unsightly grease from passenger view as well as the
potential of grease stains on clothing.
To facilitate maintenance while under way, ThorPlas
can be easily and safely machined using on-board
machining facilities and then installed quickly. In-dock,
ThorPlas is available from local Thordon distributors to
meet the needs of the shipyard.
TYPICAL THORPLAS DECK EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FREE APPLICATIONS
Fairleads
Due to their exposed
locations, fairlead rollers
often require frequent
maintenance to ensure
they turn freely. The cost
consequences of seized
rollers are high. Friction
loads increase
dramatically resulting in
higher torque loads on
winches and windlasses,
and rapid wear occurs on
not only the seized roller, but on the mooring lines as
well.
Mooring, Towing and Anchor-Handling Windlasses
Depending on the
manufacturer, these
units may have sealed
rolling element
bearings, greased
bronze bushings or
some combination of
both. Replacement of
greased bronze
bushings with ThorPlas
is straightforward and
easy.